Enroll for 2026 now: Fill out an application, compare plans, and enroll in 2026 health coverage. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Enroll by January 15 for coverage that starts February 1.
What Is the Health Insurance Marketplace®?
The Health Insurance Marketplace® (also known as the Marketplace or Exchange) helps people find health insurance to fit their health care needs and budget. It is an online service available at HealthCare.gov.
You can use the Marketplace to compare health plans in your area to find coverage and make the best decision for you and your family. Plans have different deductible amounts, premium amounts, provider networks, and benefits.
The Marketplace was created in 2013 by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to create more affordable health insurance options for individuals and families. The federal government operates and funds the Marketplace in most states, including Texas.
Am I eligible to find a plan on the Marketplace?
If you don’t have health insurance through your job, Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare, you can find coverage through the Marketplace. You must also:
- Live in the United States.
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be a lawfully present non-citizen in the U.S.
- Not be incarcerated.
When can I apply for a Marketplace plan?
Open Enrollment is November 1 – January 15.
- If you enroll by December 15, your coverage will start January 1
- If you enroll by January 15, your coverage will start February 1
If you have a life change that qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing a job, having a baby, or losing Medicaid or CHIP, you can apply for coverage outside of Open Enrollment.
How Much Do Marketplace plans cost?
Marketplace plan premiums differ depending on the level of coverage you choose and savings you may qualify for.
All Marketplace plans have deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs that apply to most covered services.
Do I qualify for savings on my premium?
You may qualify for savings on your premium through something called a premium tax credit. Premium tax credits are a type of financial assistance provided by the U.S. federal government to help individuals and families afford health insurance.
The amount of your premium tax credit depends on your income and family size.
You can check here if you may qualify for a premium tax credit. You’ll get exact plan prices and find out if you might qualify for additional extra savings when you fill out a Marketplace application.
What health care and services are covered in a Marketplace Plan?
All Marketplace plans cover these 10 essential health benefits for all plan members:
- Hospitalization (surgery, overnight stays)
- Ambulatory services(care you get outside of a hospital, like visits to the doctor or other health professionals)
- Emergency services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use treatment (including counseling and therapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Lab services (including blood or urine tests)
- Preventive and wellness services (for adults, women, and children)
- Pediatric services (including dental and vision care)
- Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
What Marketplace Coverage Options Are Available?
The Marketplace offers plans in categories or “metal levels”: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The name of the plan category has nothing to do with the quality of care.
Generally, the difference between categories is based on the plan’s share and your share of costs for covered services.
You can read more about plan categories here.
When you pick a category, you should think about your total spending on health care (not just your premium). Look at the deductible and cost-sharing amounts. If you qualify for extra savings (you’ll find this out when you apply), you will need to enroll in a Silver plan to get those savings. If you qualify for a premium tax credit, you can enroll in any plan category.
Remember, all Marketplace plans in every plan category must cover the same essential 10 health benefits listed above.
I’m ready to get insured! How do I apply and where can I get help?
- Online: The fastest way to apply is online at Healthcare.gov. If you speak Spanish, go to Cuidadodesalud.gov.
- Phone: You can also call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to fill out an application over the phone. Help is available in other languages.
- Certified Enrollment Partner: Community First is a certified enrollment partner. You can apply for and enroll in a Community First Marketplace plan at CommunityFirstMarketplace.com.
- Local Help: You can search for people and organizations in your area that can help you apply for coverage.
- Paper Application: You can fill out a paper application and mail it to the Marketplace.
Does Community First offer Marketplace Plans?
University Community Care Plan by Community First is a qualified health plan on the Marketplace available to Bexar County residents.
University Community Care Plan offers expert and trusted care through its Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) network, comprised of nationally recognized UT Health specialty providers, outpatient health care centers across Bexar County, including University Health Texas Diabetes Institute, and the Level I Trauma Center, University Hospital.
University Community Care Plan also offers $0 deductible plan options, direct access to specialists without a referral, coverage for telehealth, prescription delivery, health & wellness programs, extra pregnancy support and programs, and much more.
Learn more at CommunityFirstMarketplace.com or call 1-888-512-2347 to speak with a licensed agent who can provide more information, help you enroll, and see if you qualify for a premium tax credit.